The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded an independent investigation into the tragic deaths of over 100 Palestinians during an aid delivery in Gaza. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in at least 117 fatalities and left more than 760 individuals injured as they gathered around aid trucks in desperate need.
Guterres condemned the incident, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the distressed civilians in Gaza. He expressed concern over the inability to deliver aid to those in need, highlighting the dire situation in the region.
International condemnation of Israel mounted following the incident, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating that civilians had been “targeted by Israeli soldiers.” The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borell, described the event as “totally unacceptable carnage.”
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the situation, during which Algeria proposed a draft statement blaming Israeli forces for the violence. According to AP news agency, while 14 of the Council’s 15 members supported the motion, the US blocked it. AFP citied the Palestinian UN ambassador Riyad Mansour who spoke to reporters afterwards.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning as a convoy of 30 trucks carrying Egyptian aid traveled north along a designated humanitarian corridor, secured by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to IDF’s chief spokesman, civilians surrounded the convoy, leading to chaos and violence that resulted in numerous casualties.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the tragedy, Gaza’s health ministry reported a staggering toll of more than 30,000 deaths and over 70,000 injuries since the beginning of the current conflict in October. Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
“I am appalled by the tragic human toll of the conflict in Gaza – more than 30,000 people reportedly killed and over 70,000 injured. I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages,” he said.
